Latest news with #NeeliBendapudi
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Penn State board backs plan to close 7 campuses, saying low enrollment, financials leave no other choice
This story was produced by the State College regional bureau of Spotlight PA, an independent, nonpartisan newsroom dedicated to investigative and public-service journalism for Pennsylvania. Sign up for Talk of the Town, a weekly newsletter of local stories that dig deep, events, and more from north-central PA, at Penn State's Board of Trustees approved the closure of seven campuses Thursday, putting into motion a process that will impact thousands of students and more than 500 employees. Citing declining enrollments and financial challenges, the university will close the DuBois, Fayette, Mont Alto, New Kensington, Shenango, Wilkes-Barre, and York locations after May 2027. Ahead of the vote, President Neeli Bendapudi told the board that closing the locations was a strategic and humane decision. 'We are spreading our students, faculty, and staff so thin that we jeopardize the quality of education and the support that we can offer,' Bendapudi said. 'We are subsidizing decline at the expense of growth.' The board passed the president's closure plan by a vote of 25 to 8. Trustees Ted Brown, Donald Cairns, Lynn Dietrich, Barry Fenchak, Chris Hoffman, Anthony Lubrano, Jay Paterno, and Nicholas Rowland voted against the measure. The three state secretaries on Penn State's board — Cynthia Dunn, secretary of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources; Carrie Rowe, acting secretary of education; and Russell Redding, secretary of agriculture — did not attend the meeting due to a perceived conflict of interest, said board Chair David Kleppinger. Multiple trustees said this was a difficult, but necessary decision for Penn State's future. The move brings some finality to months of uncertainty and consternation among university officials and employees. Under Bendapudi, Penn State made steep budget cuts to its statewide system, centralized leadership and administrative positions, and paid some employees to leave. However, internal documents obtained by Spotlight PA suggest those moves did not stem financial losses at the campuses. In February, the university began to review closing up to 12 of its 20 statewide campuses. Some faculty bristled at the perceived lack of transparency from the administration about the factors and data informing which locations it chose to review. Initially, Penn State said Bendapudi would decide which campuses to close. Then, in April, the university announced the governing board would approve the closure plan. Leading up to Thursday's vote, some trustees challenged Penn State's reasons and goals for shutting down locations. Hundreds of people signed an open letter to trustees asking them to consider other options for the campuses. Earlier this month, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported the list of seven campuses the president wanted to close. Spotlight PA obtained nearly 250 pages of internal Penn State records, including the full text of the university's recommendation and related materials informing the board's private discussions. Those records revealed Bendapudi envisions a Penn State that is more regionalized and that maintains the campuses with the largest enrollments, those in areas with growing populations, and ones that generate revenue or are near self-sustaining. The campuses Bendapudi recommended for closure did not meet these criteria. Following Spotlight PA's story, Penn State publicly shared the recommendation report. Kleppinger, the board chair, said trustees met privately for nearly four hours in two executive sessions this month to answer dozens of trustee questions on Bendapudi's plan. Transparency advocates have questioned the board's use of executive sessions to restrict public access to those gatherings. Melissa Melewsky — media counsel for the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association, of which Spotlight PA is a member — said that closing campuses was 'the exact type of discussion that should be happening amongst the board at a public meeting.' A former university trustee wrote in this week that someone living locally should take legal action against the board for one of its private gatherings. Thursday afternoon was the first time trustees discussed the topic at a public meeting. For more than an hour, some trustees applauded the university for taking action on the topic, while others voiced concern with how the closure plan would be implemented or whether the administration considered other options. 'This is a decision that's been facing us for decades, and we're finally getting to it,' said Naren Gursahaney, a trustee representing business and industry. 'And I see no upside to waiting at this stage. I think the sooner we move forward, the sooner we can impact this … and avoid having to make the false tradeoffs we've had to make over those last 15 to 20 years.' Rowland, the academic trustee, said he would've liked to see more creative solutions. 'Voting to close these campuses is more than a fiduciary decision. I think it's a statement,' he said. 'It's a statement about who we are. It's a statement about who we choose to serve and who we're going to leave behind.' The board's Thursday meeting was held on Zoom without an in-person component, a practice legal experts had previously said could run afoul of Pennsylvania's open meetings law. If the gathering's legality was challenged in court, a judge could overturn any decision made at the meeting. Kleppinger said trustees received hundreds of emails ahead of Thursday's vote. Additionally, more than 150 people submitted written public comments to the board, with most asking the board to reconsider the proposal and sharing their experiences at Penn State's various locations. Bendapudi said passion does not change reality. 'Maintaining the status quo is not sustainable,' she said. The internal records previously obtained by Spotlight PA say that Penn State does not anticipate political or financial fallout from the decision. The university also does not think the hundreds of millions of dollars it receives each year in taxpayer funds, now under consideration, are in jeopardy. In a press conference following the meeting, alumni-elected trustee Jay Paterno said that, under Pennsylvania law, the state secretary of education must also approve the closure plan. and help us reinvigorate local news in north-central Pennsylvania at Spotlight PA is funded by foundations and readers like you who are committed to accountability and public-service journalism that gets results. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Penn State president addresses community after board approves 7 campus closures
Penn State President Neeli Bendapudi addressed the community in a livestream Thursday evening after the board of trustees approved closing seven commonwealth campuses, pledging her support for the students, faculty and staff affected by the decision. Bendapudi said they've received more than 500 letters and emails about how the campuses have positively impacted lives, and acknowledged that the decision and change can feel deeply personal and difficult. She said she's confident that they'll focus their resources where Penn State can have the most lasting impact. 'I recognize, believe me, I do, that the past several weeks, indeed months, have caused heightened concern and uncertainty. I want you to know that I hear you and I see you and I care deeply about every student, faculty member, staff member, donor, alum and community stakeholder impacted by this moment. As we move through this period of change over the next two years, I want to be crystal clear about one thing: our people come first,' Bendapudi said during the livestream, which lasted about 15 minutes. While many trustees praised Bendapudi's forward-thinking approach and leadership in the past months while campus closures were under consideration, other trustees and community members have voiced concerns over lack of transparency and decisions made without consideration of all stakeholders. 'I would advocate that we wait until we have more information and more answers,' trustee Jay Paterno said during the board meeting. 'This is by far the most important vote any of us as trustees will have made, are going to make, and likely the most important vote we will ever make. Not having all the information should concern us.' Teams of university leaders are creating transition plans with students, faculty and staff in mind, Bendapudi said, to mitigate and minimize the negative impacts. They don't have all of the answers yet but some information has been, and will continue to be, posted to the Penn State Roadmap, she said. Penn State is firmly committed to honoring tenure and contracts for faculty members, Bendapudi said, and leadership is working to establish 'priority hiring consideration' for open positions across the university system for staff members. Students who begin at a closing campus will have the opportunity to complete their degree at Penn State, and each impacted student will have personalized guidance and advising through the process. 'The two-year closure timeline at these campuses will allow students currently enrolled — and those enrolling for the fall 2025 semester — time to complete or make significant progress toward their degrees. With two academic years before closure, associate's degree students will have the opportunity to complete their programs,' a news release from the university states. With the board's approval to close DuBois, Fayette, Mont Alto, New Kensington, Shenango, Wilkes-Barre and York campuses following the spring 2027 semester, Penn State's campus ecosystem will include 13 campuses along with the Penn State College of Medicine, Penn State Dickinson Law, World Campus, Penn College of Technology and University Park. Bendapudi stressed Penn State will continue to have an active presence across Pennsylvania. Additionally, Penn State Extension has a presence in every Pennsylvania county, and they'll continue to invest in the Invent Penn State launch boxes. And even with campuses closing, Penn State will continue to have the largest campus ecosystem of any land grant university. Looking ahead, the university will work with local, state and federal elected officials, business and community leaders, donors and alumni to 'reimagine' what is best for those communities. 'The future use of these locations may or may not involve Penn State directly, but we will play a convening role to help catalyze possibilities that benefit the surrounding regions,' a news release states.
CBS News
22-05-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
Penn State board votes to close 7 branch campuses
Penn State's board has voted to close seven of the university's branch campuses. Penn State's board of trustees voted 25 in favor and 8 against closing the DuBois, Fayette, Mont Alto, New Kensington, Shenango, Wilkes-Barre and York campuses the following spring semester. Penn State President Neeli Bendapudi says over the past 10 years, the seven campuses have seen a 43% decline in enrollment. And there's the issue of financial costs. (Photo: KDKA) "Many are understandably hoping for a way to have it all, but honestly, the numbers tell a different story," Bendapudi said. Bendapudi says she understands how much people care about their local campuses and how they've deeply impacted the communities. "I want to be clear: we did not arrive at this moment because people failed. In fact, the opposite is true. We heard from more than 500 people," Bendapudi said. The university is offering resources for those impacted, including letting students complete their degree through the university and giving faculty members priority hiring considerations for other available positions. Penn State's Beaver, Greater Allegheny, Hazleton, Schuylkill and Scranton campuses had previously been considered for closure, but were taken off the chopping block.
Time of India
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Penn State faculty alliance rallies against planned closures, calling it the university's 'biggest employment crisis'
Protest grows as Penn State faculty demand halt to US campus closure plans. (Representative AI Image) A growing coalition of faculty at Penn State University is mounting a significant protest against a proposal to close seven Commonwealth Campuses , a move they describe as the institution's "biggest employment crisis." The Penn State Faculty Alliance delivered a petition signed by more than 500 faculty, staff, and supporters to university President Neeli Bendapudi, urging a halt to the campus closure process and calling for transparency and inclusive decision-making. The petition was submitted at President Bendapudi's Old Main office just one day before the university's Board of Trustees is expected to vote on the proposed closures. The plan targets the DuBois, Fayette, Mont Alto, New Kensington, Shenango, Wilkes-Barre, and York campuses, with closures proposed following the 2026–27 academic year. Faculty protest "reckless pace" and lack of transparency The faculty alliance argues that the closure process has been fast-tracked, conducted largely behind closed doors, and lacks meaningful consultation with those most affected. According to the petition, as reported by State College, decisions have been made "at a reckless pace" without proper analysis of the impact on students, faculty, staff, and the communities that host the campuses. Rebecca Sarver, an assistant teaching professor at Penn State Wilkes-Barre and a lead organizer of the alliance, stated, "Every day, we connect with the people this institution is designed to serve, the students," as quoted by State College. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like USDJPY đang đi lên không? IC Markets Đăng ký Undo She emphasized that the administration had bypassed faculty with experience and insight into the needs of these campuses. Concerns over student equity and community access Faculty members argue the closures would disproportionately affect lower-income students who depend on accessible, local education. According to the petition, many students at the targeted campuses may not be able to relocate or transfer easily, adding to their stress and uncertainty, especially amid faculty and staff departures. In a statement reported by State College, Ruth Tillman, an associate librarian at University Park, called the proposal "shameful," saying it removes "life-changing opportunities" from vulnerable communities. Criticism of administration's rationale While Penn State's recommendation report cites challenges such as declining enrollment, financial strain, and aging infrastructure, President Bendapudi's own remarks—quoted during a University Faculty Senate meeting and referenced by State College—suggested the closures may not be primarily for cost-saving. This contradiction prompted the faculty alliance to question the decision-making framework, stating, "Why not invest in them and strengthen their essential role in fulfilling Penn State's land grant mission?" Calls for immediate action and accountability The petition urges the university to immediately pause the closure process, conduct a comprehensive impact analysis, and commit to a more transparent, participatory process. Faculty are also calling for assurances that all affected employees will be treated with dignity and fairness. According to State College, the alliance is also organizing with SEIU Local 668 to form a faculty union, adding another layer of organized resistance to what they view as a damaging and opaque administrative move. Invest in Their Tomorrow, Today: Equip your child with the essential AI skills for a future brimming with possibilities | Join Now
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Penn State report explains benefits of keeping Schuylkill campus open
A Penn State University study of its commonwealth campus system explains why the Schuylkill County branch is recommended to remain open while seven other campuses across the state are proposed for closure. The university's board of trustees is scheduled to next meet on Thursday at 5 p.m. via Zoom, and school officials expect the plan that resulted from its internal study to be approved by the board. For three months there was uncertainty whether the campus along Route 61 in Schuylkill Haven would be among those shut down amidst the biggest transformation in the history of Penn State's campus system. But after a Philadelphia Inquirer story this week revealed leaked details of the study, the school released the report in its entirety and showed that the Schuylkill campus is listed among those suggested to remain open. Penn State officials have said the closures are financially necessary and will allow the university and its surviving branches to improve. Penn State President Neeli Bendapudi has requested the closures because the current statewide model 'subsidizes decline,' according to internal records obtained by Spotlight PA. 'Fulfilling our land-grant mission does not require a four-year campus in every corner of Pennsylvania,' she wrote. The report shows that campuses proposed for closure following the 2026-27 school year are Dubois, Fayette, Mont Alto, New Kensington, Shenango, Wilkes-Barre and York, while Hazleton, Scranton, Beaver and Greater Allegheny would remain open. Already listed as safe from closure were the Abington, Behrend, Berks, Brandywine, Great Valley, Harrisburg and Lehigh Valley campuses. Cory Scherer, Schuylkill's interim chancellor, said this week he has received no official word regarding Penn State Schuylkill's future. But state legislators from Schuylkill and local government, business and education leaders said they were cautiously optimistic that the campus that they had campaigned to protect now seems like it will survive the closure process. A sign in front of a banner in the Morgan Auditorium at the Penn State Schuylkill campus on May 14. (LARRY HOLEVA/STAFF PHOTO) The 143-page report includes profiles of each campus, analyzes data and finances, outlines local support and makes the case for why each should remain open or close. The Schuylkill campus has more than 700 students in 10 baccalaureate programs, including fields of healthcare, business and technology. It offers four associate degrees, and the first two years of undergraduate classes for more than 275 majors that can be completed at University Park. The report recommends Penn State Schuylkill for continued investment in part due to its 'steady recent (three-year) growth and operational stability within a challenging demographic environment.' Also mentioned in Penn State Schuylkill's favor were the success of its radiology and nursing programs, and that New Kensington, which is planned for closure, is the only other campus with a radiology program. The report mentions that the campus also added Penn State-owned housing in 2022, remodeled its nursing suite in the last three years, has a healthy residential housing occupancy rate of 70% and has a geographic position and compact campus that make it an important access point for students who might not otherwise pursue a Penn State degree. * A staged campus residence at Penn State Schuylkill, pictured Friday, May 16, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR) * A baby and an adult mannequin lie in beds in the nursing lab at Penn State Schuylkill, Friday, May 16, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR) * Equipment for the Penn State Schuylkill radiological sciences courses, pictured Friday, May 16, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR) Show Caption 1 of 3 A staged campus residence at Penn State Schuylkill, pictured Friday, May 16, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR) Expand Local leaders who argued in favor of keeping the Schuylkill campus open pointed out that it was the only one of the satellites that has had increased enrollment in recent years, a trend it expects to continue based on recent applications and acceptances. Schuylkill school district superintendents stressed that many high school students from the county earn college credits by taking dual enrollment courses through Penn State, and many other students attend the campus after graduating from Schuylkill high schools. The report listed enrollment at Penn State Schuylkill at 698, but campus officials expect that to soon climb closer to 800. Fifty-two percent of the current students are first-generation college students, which is the case for many students from Schuylkill County, officials said. Penn State Schuylkill's leadership has shown strong alignment with Penn State's goals and faculty and staff have been proactive in identifying regional program opportunities, the report said. 'Penn State Schuylkill presents a strong case for continued investment. With targeted support, Penn State Schuylkill can continue to deliver high-quality education to a broad regional population while contributing to the overall goals of the commonwealth campus strategy,' it said. Community support for the campus was strong, the report said. That feedback described the campus's importance in providing accessible higher education to students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, the campus's substantial economic impact on the county, and its unique programs such as its nursing and co-op programs, which create direct talent pipelines for local employers, the report said. The report said that closing the seven campuses it recommends for such action would allow Penn State to provide stronger support to the branches that remain open. The trustees vote would not be the final step in the process to make those closures official, though, as Pennsylvania law states that the state Department of Education secretary must approve the action. The statute explains that an institution looking to close a campus must submit a formal application by July 1 of the calendar year preceding the academic year for which the closure is requested. The secretary will then approve or disapprove based on the satisfaction of the following requirements: * Preliminary feasibility study. * Documentation of reduced needs or resources in support of the proposal and in relation to institutional, regional and commonwealth needs and resources. * Evidence that discontinuance of the branch or campus is consistent with the institutional plan and the master plan of the commonwealth. * Indication of the financial impact on the budget of the parent institution or the State System of Higher Education and the commonwealth. Department of Education officials would not comment on the study released by Penn State, but press secretary Erin James said the department will follow the process outlined in state law if and when the university submits an application. 'The Shapiro administration respects the autonomy of our commonwealth's higher education institutions to make their own financial decisions, and we will continue to engage with Penn State, members of the general assembly, and — most importantly — students and parents as the university releases more information,' she said. The department did not say whether it has ever rejected an application submitted to close university campuses in Pennsylvania.
